As your MP I want to combat loneliness

Alan Mak is the MP for Havant. Here he talks about his first Older Person's Information Fair, in Hayling, today.
Alan Mak at the Hayling Community Centre with manager Tania Jones and administrator Tina LambertAlan Mak at the Hayling Community Centre with manager Tania Jones and administrator Tina Lambert
Alan Mak at the Hayling Community Centre with manager Tania Jones and administrator Tina Lambert

MY first Havant Older Persons’ Information Fair takes place today, and I hope as many News readers as possible will join me at Hayling Island Community Centre for what will be an excellent event.

This is the third big community event I have organised as your local MP, and builds on the success of my Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair, in February, and my Small Business Awards in April.

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Today’s fair will showcase the support that is available to older people and the numerous community groups that do superb work across the Havant constituency.

It is open to all older people and their friends, family, neighbours and carers.

No prior registration or booking is needed, with those attending encouraged to drop in any time between 10am and 3pm.

Parking at the community centre is free.

As your MP, I am keen to help address loneliness, combat illness and improve wellbeing, all of which helps older people live independently for longer.

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I know from my own family experience, and as a long-standing volunteer for the Royal British Legion, that getting active and staying active are positive steps to take.

As a hugely-valued section of our society, we are fortunate in Havant to have a wide range of local charities, community groups, businesses and government agencies that help or serve older people.

Nearly 40 different local organisations will be at the community centre today, offering advice and information.

Hampshire police, the Department of Work and Pensions, Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service will all be explaining what they do locally.

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Meanwhile, community groups such as Men’s Shed, University of the Third Age (U3A) and the Hayling Island Choir will talk about events that are run for residents.

The charities that will be at the fair all do an excellent job of supplementing work done by local authorities.

Age UK, The Bridge Advice Centre and the Alzheimer’s Society are just a few of the prominent local charities that will be exhibiting.

Local businesses from the care sector, such as HomeInstead, Helping Hands and Right at Home, will also be on hand to offer advice.

Visit my website for a full list of today’s exhibitors, alanmak.org.uk.